Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Martin Moylan
Winona, Minn.

Winona-Rochester diocese plans bankruptcy amid abuse lawsuits

Bishop John Quinn
Bishop John Quinn, middle, of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, speaks during a news conference in 2014.
Winona Daily News via AP

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Updated: 6:52 p.m. | Posted: 12:57 p.m.

The southern Minnesota Catholic diocese of Winona-Rochester plans to file for bankruptcy protection later this month, as it faces lawsuits alleging former priests sexually abused children.

In a letter to parishioners this past weekend, Bishop John Quinn said that bankruptcy offers the best opportunity to resolve 121 claims of sexual abuse.

Explore the full investigation Clergy abuse, cover-up and crisis in the Twin Cities Catholic church

"Bishop Quinn, in consultation with a number of groups within the diocese, feels that this is the best way to help bring about healing and justice for survivors and a way forward for our entire diocesan community," said Matt Willkom, director of communications for the diocese.

He said the bankruptcy filing will not affect the day-to-day operations of diocese parishes and schools.

Victims would be compensated from diocesan savings, insurance and asset sales.

The Winona-Rochester diocese includes 20 counties and serves more than 131,000 Catholics.

The diocese is following the path through bankruptcy as others have, including the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the dioceses of Duluth and New Ulm.